Candice Young, a Keizer University graduate who now serves as program director for occupational therapy assistants (OTA) on the university’s West Palm Beach campus, shared her findings in a recent article titled Florida Occupational Therapy Association Lymphedema Basics: Rising Client Preoccupations.
While addressing the challenge of lymphedema (or swelling due to a build-up of lymphatic fluid in the body), Young referenced various published findings and reminded readers that primary lymphedema is an inherited disability of the lymphatic system with no known cause. In contrast, the more common secondary lymphedema is caused by “irregular drainage of the lymphatic vessels resulting from injury, surgery, infection, and cancer.” Although there is no cure for the condition and standards vary from patient to patient, treatment varies depending on the stage of the condition, as well as the length of sessions, compression, and follow-up care. Young emphasized that the use of total decongestive therapy (CDT) remains critical in most cases, and successful outcomes lead to increased mobility, reduced pain, and a better quality of life.
Young began her healthcare career as a board-certified occupational therapist after earning her Associate of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at Keizer University’s Fort Lauderdale campus in 2006. She then earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Phoenix in Healthcare Administrative/Long-Term Care in 2010 and a Master of Science in Health Care Administration with a specialization in Gerontology in 2012. A post-master’s degree as an Education Specialist with Curriculum Design major at the University of West Florida followed in 2022 and she is currently pursuing her PhD in Education at the University of West Florida with an expected completion date of Winter 2024.
Young has over 15 years of extensive experience working with the geriatric and lymphedema population and also holds certifications as a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner, Fall Prevention Specialist, Certified Lymphedema Specialist, and Certified Assisted Living Administrator. As a tireless advocate for the community, providing scholarships and necessities to high school seniors entering their freshman year, she values giving back to the community and educating others about the importance of occupational therapy. As a wife and mother of three, she loves spending time with her family and participating in her children’s after-school activities.
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Keizer University’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate of Science prepares students to work as occupational therapy assistants under the direct supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. Occupational therapy is the art and science of helping people acquire skills they need to become independent in activities of daily living. Students learn the therapeutic use of occupations that involve self-care, work, and play/leisure activities to maximize independent functioning, promote development, prevent disability, and maintain health. Intervention strategies may include adjustments to a task or environment, or compensatory approaches to help clients achieve maximum independence.
Keizer University is a private, independent, not-for-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students in 21 Florida, online and two international campuses. Co-founded by Chancellor Arthur Keizer, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keizer in 1977, Keizer University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associate to doctoral degrees. Keizer University is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked #1 in the US for providing social mobility in 2023 by US News and World Report.
Candice Young, a Keizer University graduate who now serves as the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program director on the university’s West Palm Beach campus, recently shared her insights with members of the Florida Occupational Therapy Association in an article titled Lymphedema Basics: Increasing Client Occupations.
Candice Young, a Keizer University graduate who now serves as the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program director on the university’s West Palm Beach campus, recently shared her insights with members of the Florida Occupational Therapy Association in an article titled Lymphedema Basics: Increasing Client Occupations.
Candice Young, a Keizer University graduate who now serves as program director for occupational therapy assistants (OTA) on the university’s West Palm Beach campus, recently shared insights with members of Florida in an article titled Lymphedema Basics: Increasing Client Occupations.ti Occupational Therapy Association
